The blog for citizens in Lake Oswego who share the common values of the community and the organization.
Fiscal Responsibility + Core Services + Property Rights = "Good Governance"

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Lake to Remain Private According to County Court!

To All COLA LO Members,

This past week the county court issued a ruling allowing the City of Lake Oswego to restrict access to the lake. This effectively defeats the move toward allowing public access to the lake.

Details can be found in the Oregonian article: Judge Sides with City on Lake Access. The details of this ruling are quite unique and clearly outline the courts logic in terms of the court requiring the state to take action which may impose restrictions on upland property owners. Details can be found in Court Ruling. The judge seems to say that only the legislature can force the State to take further action.

Is this a setback for those who demand public access to the Lake? Only time will tell but it appears an appeal may be in the making. It will be interesting to see how the Lake Corp responds to the ruling and any appeal that may be filed by the plaintiffs.

At the same time many in the community are wondering where is the progress on "Sensitive Lands" that was promised by the current administration? It now appears "property rights" will continue to be an issue in Lake Oswego in 2014 and likely well beyond.